Title IX

Sexual Misconduct Prohibited by Civil Rights Law

Guidance from the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights' Dear Colleague Letter (April 4, 2011) has clarified that sexual harassment includes sexual misconduct, sexual assault and sexual violence. These are all violations of civil rights laws and constitute discrimination under Title IX for students and employees in educational institutions:

"No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance..." 20 U.S.C. § 1681(a)

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) prohibits discrimination based on sex in any educational program or activity that receives financial support from the Federal government. In addition to prohibiting discrimination based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and sexual assault, Title IX also prohibits retaliation against individuals who complain about or participate in an investigation regarding an alleged Title IX violation. Title IX is enforced by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Employees are also covered under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

In compliance with Title IX, BTC does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities or in its employment. It is BTC’s goal to maintain an environment that is free from all forms of illegal harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, sexual assault, sexual coercion, rape, bullying, and hazing.

All inquiries concerning the application of policies for the prevention of sexual harassment and sexual violence under Title IX should be referred to BTC’s Title IX Coordinator or Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Officer (EEO/AA):

Linda handles a student complaint of harassment (bullying, sexual harassment, hazing,) sexual assault, sexual violence, sexual coercion, and rape, as well as violations of the Student Conduct Code. For the process in these instances, please see the Student Code of Conduct (WAC 495B-121) and the Grievance Rules- Discrimination and Harassment (WAC 495B-305) or contact Linda Fossen at titleix@btc.edu or 360.752.8440.

The Title IX Coordinator provides advice and oversight on policies, preventive educational programs, resources and services required under Title IX, and in addition, oversees all complaints of sexual harassment and sexual violence, as well as identifies and addresses any patterns or systematic problems that arise during the review of complaints.

Counseling & Support Resources

If you have experienced sexual harassment, sexual assault or sexual violence, we encourage you to see a confidential counselor in the Advising and Career Center. Please stop by the front desk in College Services Building (CSB) 106, or call 360-752-8450, to make an appointment with a counselor to discuss your reporting options in detail, and to have someone there while you report. We also encourage you to utilize the following support resources that are available to you::

NotAlone.gov - Includes information for students, schools, and anyone interested in finding resources on how to respond to and prevent sexual assault.

Reporting Options

If you have experienced sexual harassment, sexual assault or sexual violence, you have resources and reporting options. If you are involved in, or have knowledge of, an incident, please immediately contact at least one of the following people/offices:

Stormwater Management Plan

In compliance with the requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System and State Water Discharge General Permit for Discharges in Western Washington.

As a Secondary Permittee of a municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4), BTC has developed and continues to update a Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) as part of an existing permit the College has with the Department of Ecology.

Stormwater Management Plan

Updates and Revisions

We are publishing this document on our website for public review and any written comments regarding our SWMP. Please utilize the comment box below for a response and if you have additional comments, they can be directed to David Jungkuntz, Facilities Manager, via email at: dave.jungkuntz@btc.edu

For future reference, easy access to this page is provided by going to our main webpage and selecting “About BTC” in the upper right corner and then "Policies & Compliance" or www.btc.edu/StormwaterPlan.

Drug Free Workplace

Policy and Program

Bellingham Technical College is committed to providing a drug-free, healthful, safe, and secure workplace and environment, and has implemented a drug and alcohol abuse, prevention, and assistance program. The College will annually notify employees and students that the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on College property, or as any part of College activity, is prohibited. (WAC 495B-121-040 (12-14))

Bellingham Technical College intends to promote a drug free, healthful, safe, and secure work environment. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of alcohol or any controlled substance is prohibited in or on property owned or controlled by Bellingham Technical College. The use of alcohol or any unlawful controlled substance while in or on property owned or controlled by Bellingham Technical College is prohibited. While state law permits the recreational use of marijuana, federal law prohibits such use on college premises or in connection with college activities. Prescription drug usage must be accomplished in a lawful and safe manner pursuant to a valid medical prescription. No employee will report to work while under the influence of alcohol or any unlawful controlled substance. A controlled substance is defined by RCW 69.50.201 through RCW 69.50.214 or pursuant to Title 21 USC Section 821 (Schedules I-IV), as now enacted or subsequently amended.

Alcoholic beverages may be served at scheduled events at Bellingham Technical College provided all Washington laws and Bellingham Technical College administrative procedures, guidelines, and regulations are met. (BTC Policy 363.0)

These provisions are in accordance with the requirements of the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 and the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.

Violation of this policy by any employee or student are subject to sanctions imposed by the College which are consistent with local, state, and federal law and regulations. Such sanctions may include, but are not limited to, the offender's referral for mandatory evaluation or treatment for a substance abuse disorder, expulsion from the College, disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from employment and referral to other authorities for prosecution. Disciplinary action against employees or students will be initiated in accord with the Washington Administrative Code, applicable contract provisions, and College policy. Violation of this policy by an employee or student may also result in arrest and conviction under applicable criminal laws of the United States, the State of Washington, or local municipalities. Conviction can result in sanctions including probation, fines, and imprisonment.

To comply with federal law, Bellingham Technical College requires an employee to notify the employing official of any criminal drug statute conviction for any violation occurring in the workplace no later than five (5) days after such conviction. If the employee is engaged in the performance of a federally sponsored grant or contract, the College must notify the federal contracting agency within ten (10) days of having received notice that the employee has been convicted of a drug statue violation occurring in the workplace. Within 30 days of receipt of such notice, the College will take disciplinary action against the convicted employee and/or require satisfactory participation in a drug/alcohol abuse assistance or rehabilitation program. Disciplinary action may include dismissal from employment or other appropriate personnel action(s). Employment at Bellingham Technical College is conditioned upon the employee’s willingness to abide by this policy. Students who violate this policy are subject to disciplinary sanctions including: warning and reprimand, disciplinary probation, suspension, or dismissal in accordance with the Student Conduct Code (WAC 495B-121).

Resources

Bellingham Technical College recognizes alcohol and drug dependency to be an illness and major health problem. The institution also classifies drug usage and abuse as a potential safety and security problem. The following resources are available to employees and students seeking assistance with such problems.

The College counseling center and the Human Resources Office can provide referrals.

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides face-to-face and/or phone sessions. They have 24 hour on-call support and most face-to-face appointments are scheduled within 24-72 hours. More information on EAP can be found on the PeaceHealth EAP Health Promotion Northwest website or call 360-788-6565 or 1-800-244-6142.

Services may be provided as part of health insurance plans, when appropriate.

The Washington Recovery Help Line, which provides 24-hour help for substance abuse and related problems, can be reached at 866-789-1511. The Washington Recovery Help Line website contains information about and links to recovery resources. Also available online is a Directory of Certified Behavioral Health Services in Washington State, published by the state Department of Social and Health Services.

Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centers

Alcoholics Anonymous – There are several meetings held in Whatcom County. Strict confidentiality is maintained. For more information, phone (360) 734-1688 or visit the Alcoholics Anonymous website.